Gov. Rick Perry has appointed Linda Ryan Thomas of Longview as presiding officer of the North East Texas Regional Mobility Authority for a term to expire Feb. 1, 2012. Regional mobility authorities allow local communities to develop regional transportation priorities, and accelerate development and financing for critical transportation projects.

Thomas is partner at Butter-Ryan Partners Ltd., and past vice chair of the North East Texas Regional Mobility Authority. She is treasurer of the Good Shepherd Medical Center Foundation, a member of the University of Texas (UT) Liberal Arts Council, and a member and scholarship chair of the UT Tyler Longview University Center Development Council. She is also a board member and development chair of the Kilgore College Foundation, and a board member and past president of the East Texas Area Council Boy Scouts of America Foundation.